WSET® Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This qualification is suitable for those working in the trade wishing to progress to roles such as food and beverage management, working as a member of a marketing team responsible for product ranges, a wine buyer, sales executive or other professional role in the wines and spirits industry. This qualification is also suitable for the dedicated wine enthusiast wishing to build on knowledge gained at Level 3 and acquire further expertise in wine tasting.

HOW WILL YOU BENEFIT?

This is the WSET’s flagship qualification, designed to prepare people for senior positions within the wines and spirits business. The course will not only develop product knowledge to a specialist level, but will also enable students to acquire skills that will continue to be of use beyond the course. Taught courses are conducted by industry experts, all of whom have up to date knowledge of contemporary and commercial issues related to wines and spirits.

The Diploma is viewed universally as the stepping-stone to theMaster of Wine qualification.

(Successful students will receive a certificate and WSET Level 4 Award in Wine and Spirits lapel pin)

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

The Diploma qualification is broken down into six mandatory units. Units 1 and 2 would normally be studied first and the other units will be taken in accordance with the programme being offered by each individual Approved Programme Provider.

Unit 1 – The Global Business of Alcoholic Beverages

This unit is assessed by one coursework assignment submitted in either November or April and one closed-book exam, which takes the form of a case study. The assignment is between 2500 – 3000 words in length on a topic determined by WSET Awards and will reflect the published learning outcomes of this unit of the Diploma.

Unit 4 – Spirits of the World

This unit is assessed by a practical tasting paper of three spirits requiring candidates to submit a detailed written analysis of the three samples using the WSET Level 4 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits and complete a written section on related product knowledge.

Unit 2 – Wine Production

This unit is assessed by means of a multiple-choice examination paper of 100 questions.

Unit 5 – Sparkling Wines of the World

This unit is assessed by a practical tasting paper of three sparkling wines requiring candidates to submit a detailed written analysis of the three samples using the WSET Level 4 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine and complete a written section on related product knowledge.

Unit 3 – Light Wines of the World

This unit is assessed by a closed book theory paper of five questions, along with a practical tasting paper assessing candidates’ application of the WSET Level 4 Systematic Approach to Tasting technique. The tasting paper is held in two parts, each covering 12 wines in total, with a short break between each paper.

Unit 6 – Fortified (Liqueur) Wines of the World

This unit is assessed by a practical tasting paper of three liqueur wines requiring candidates to submit a detailed written analysis of the three samples using the WSET Level 4 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine and complete a written section on related product knowledge.

A pass in all 6 Units must be obtained to gain the WSET Level 4 Diploma qualification.

Where to Study?

Entry Requirements: Candidates must be over the legal minimum age for the retail purchase of alcoholic beverages in the country where the examination is being held. Candidates are required to hold the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines and Spirits to study for the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits. Please note that if you only hold the International Higher then you will need to pass the Diploma entry exam before booking onto the Diploma.

Many WSET qualifications (those with QCF in the title) are part of the UK qualifications framework, and the education courses leading to WSET qualifications are an invaluable source of information for students to enhance their knowledge of wines and spirits. WSET qualifications are not a guarantee of employment or career progression, nor do they form part of any regulated qualifications framework outside UK.